While I was rummaging through some of my old boxes and chests recently, I unearthed a poem one of my ancestors had written to the man she was in love with. Her name was Garsenda (1180-????) and he, her future husband, was Alfonso.

Published authors and people who are just launching into their first major project are coming together this month as they attempt the ambitious feat of producing 50,0000 words in just 30 days.

The tongue-twisting NaNoWriMo con- test — short for National Novel Writing Month — challenges would-be, should-be and actual authors to dive into their craft and head for the finish line without worry- ing about the finer details of polishing and editing. While the only prize awarded is a congratulations of accomplishment, even those who don’t reach the goal can find value in participation.

I was at a Literature Lounge open mic event in The Poetry Cafe in London on the 19th September this year, and while I enjoyed the response to my reading … what I LOVED was the short story by author Elfie Tromp. Now I’ll be honest, I can’t remember if the petite blond was from Holland or Belgium but I do know that while her story was a bit raunchy, ‘The Queen of Rings’ was hilarious. It was also very good.

She told me afterwards that it is the only thing she has written that is in English, and that it was a testing of the waters in the UK. If this short story is anything to go by she will be a great success with English speakers too. I gather that her book will be translated soon, but I really recommend that you keep an eye open for “The Queen of Rings’. You won’t be sorry you did. I’m still grinning!

Find great new authors – FREE- and get to vote on them! They are entered in the

Next Best Author contest!

Well, you know I’m an author, so it’s no surprise that I’ve entered the Next Best Author contest – and I’d love your support! But only, only if you like my work. Come and read my chapters of ‘The Selene Experiment’ and if you like it please vote because that will help me advance to the next round. The first round lasts through May.

But even if you don’t like mine there are many other authors with new books there waiting for you to discover them!”

“The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. The second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. The first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking.”